Tour Israel Blog

Negev of the north? Clouds dot the sky and finally the first rains have fallen, yet this is a superb season to visit Israel.

Consider a vacation in the mild climate of the Jezre’el Valley, the Negev of the north!

Do? Archeology, Swim, Art…
Blessed with summery winter weather, and very little rain, now is the season to explore Beit Alpha, Beit Shean, swim in the year-round warm waters of Gan Sachne, and visit the Paris-like art museum at  Ein Harod.

Stay? European, Morroccan,Templar…
We found the most charming European-style inn with only 8 rooms – each with a window seat overlooking verdant views, a white duvet covered bed, spacious rainhead shower stall or jacuzzi tub in the roomy bathroom.

If there is no room at the inn, Morroccan style suites, each with a private outdoor hot-tub for two, is the place to be.

Closer to Nazereth, this historic Templar structure is now a colorful B&B suite inn packed with ambience.

Relax in a boutique spa hotel located in a pine forest. Reminiscent of a Tuscan manor, this adults-only 26-suite hotel is well-located for exploring the Galilee as well as indulging in spa treatments.

Contact the friendly & knowledgeable Israel experts at Drive-Israel.com to include that extra dimension in your trip the next time you visit Israel.

A recent visit to the Cloisters in New York made this hike to the Crusader fortress of Monfort in the Western Galilee all the more meaningful. Imagine — those knights in shining armor lying still and poised at the Cloisters once climbed these same rocks to Monfort. Within eyesight of the Mediterrean coast, it is easy to see the route taken by the Holyland soldiers in the 1200s, from the port of Acco (Acre) to the inland mountains.

Most of you call this vacation, but for me, an overnight in a luxury B&B is another day at work. My significant other and I set out at midday to explore the Galillee so that I can let you in on the must-dos in Israel.

In the mountains off the coast of Achziv and Rosh HaNikra lies the perfect Provencal inn, complete with spa facilities and a swimming pool. If G-d is in the details, then this chateau is filled with the Holy Spirit: from the fragrant L’Occitane bathtub favors to the basket of lavender potpourri in the 4-postered bedroom, one feels compelled to unwind.

A short distance away in a perfect country setting we found Arnold’s, a new chef restaruant (kosher) with a menu featuring Galilee products like the delicatibly delicious lamb osso buco.

In the Western Galilee you can hike to the Crusader fortress of Monfort, beachcomb the dramatic shoreline of Achziv, and kayak the caves and grottoes of Rosh HaNikra.

Guest house, Galilee, Israel

Rosh Pina, a 100-year old village in the Galilee, is well situated to explore the Galilee and Golan areas. The town itself, particularly the cobblestoned area, is charming and offers cafes – like the chocolate cafe located at the top of the hill, boutiques, wine shops, restaurants and even a cinema.

Plan your visit to Israel by using Rosh Pina as your base to travel in the Galilee. Instead of a hotel room, you stay in a studio, cabin or cottage, with food preparation facilities and plenty of space to be very comfortable.

Return from a day of touring to sit in your private garden, swing in a hammock or  barbeque your steaks. Some properties have private swimming pools and jacuzzis.

At Drive-Israel.com we inspect all  properties before suggesting them to you. Properties must meet our standards of excellence.

Contact  your Israel travel expert at Drive-Israel.com – to plan your best trip to Israel!

Galilee, Israel

Galilee, Israel

Tucked away in an agricultural settlement in the Negev desert in Israel are two unique and perfectly outfitted Japanese cabins, complete with Zen gardens. Principles of feng shui are incorporated into the design and layout of each cabin. Waters flow under the Japanese style bridge creating a feeling of calm and serenity. Each cabin has a double jacuzzi for soaking after a day of touring the Negev sites.

Breakfast is served to the room, and sushi suppers may be ordered. Located in the village, and within walking distance, is a country gourmet restaurant.

Pre-arranged tours of desert agriculture facilities, wine tasting of desert wines, visits to Beduoin communities, jeep trips, camel rides, and visits to Negev Highland farms are available.

Book your Japanese B&B in the Negev here.

Can you imagine a honeymoon yurt in the desert? You do not have to be honeymooners to stay in this romantic vacation yurt in Israel! The yurts, imported from Kazakhstan,  are air conditioned and fully furnished with  a spacious bed,  jacuzzi for two, mini bar, cable TV, and a full bathroom. The surrounding area offers desert agriculture tours, winery tastings, archaeology explorations, spa treatments, jeep trips, camel rides, and bike adventures.

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The latest phenomenon to reach Israel’s spa culture, is Couples Spa. There are a few versions to this.

One type of treatment is where the couple share a massage therapy room, and on separate treatment beds, each person receives a massage – whether that be shiatsu, Swedish, hot stone massage, aromatherapy, Thai massage, or the Indian massage, Ayurveda. The couple decide together which therapy they prefer and receive the same one from different therapists.

Interestingly enough, when I spoke with a representative of the day spa in Holmes Place, a fitness center with locations around Israel, she told me that they recommend separate treatment rooms for couples so that each person can concentrate on the massage and not think about the partner.

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Honeymoon! A romantic time to be together. Innkeepers of many of Israel’s bed and breakfast inns specialize in orchestrating finely detailed settings to inspire romance.

Consider a candle-lit double jacuzzi filled with scented water, on a private deck overlooking a stupendous view; massage and body treatments in your suite; lavish country breakfasts with homemade bread, goat and sheep cheeses, olive oil, smoked salmon, boutique jams, fine wine, and sometimes a private swimming pool and sauna.

Depending on the location you choose to explore, highly recommended honeymoon lodgings can be found in the Jerusalem Hills, off the Mediterranean coast, and in the Golan Heights.

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